A magnet is an object that creates a force that pulls on ferromagnetic materials. Magnets have a north and south pole, and attract objects made from metal,s such as iron and cobalt. They also repel certain items. Buy magnets at your local hardware store. If your child is younger, buy child safe magnets and keep a close eye on them to be sure they do not put the magnets in their mouth as small objects are a choking hazard.
Through different experiments, children learn how magnets work. Start out with two magnets. Fill your work area with different objects, some that will be attracted to the magnet and some that will not. Use metal and plastic lids, metal and plastic bowls, paper clips, metal toys and wooden blocks. Have your child test the magnet to see which object it will attract. Separate the ones that are attracted to the magnet and the ones that are not. Ask your child to figure out what the objects have in common.
Making and decorating different objects to attach to a magnet is a fun activity. Children enjoy seeing their creations hanging on the refrigerator. Magnets are also a great gift option. Children can make a special magnet for their grandparents or any other friend or family member. Have your children glue little eyes to a seashell, print out a picture and decorate it with ribbon and glitter, or use different bottle caps to make a unique magnet set. Children can also glue a magnet to the back of a small bottle, such as a small medicine bottle. Put cotton balls inside of the bottle and add a bean or another type of seed and hang the bottle on the refrigerator. Your child will be delighted as they watch their magnet plant grow.
Playing with magnets is great fun. Take your kids fishing. Throw metal objects, such as coins or bolts, to the bottom of a container filled with water. You can also use your sink or bathtub. Attach a string to a stick or pencil and attach a magnet to the end of the string. Have your child use the magnet to fish out the objects on the bottom. Alternatively, cut out pictures or draw pictures of fish. Tape a magnet to the pictures and place them on the floor for a fishing expedition. For another fun magnet game, fill a cup with water and place a metal object inside. Using a magnet try to retrieve the object from the bottom of the cup.